Kerryson to leave Leicester after 22 years

Published: 19 December 2013
Reporter: Steve Orme

Paul Kerryson, artistic director of Curve, Leicester

Paul Kerryson who has been working in Leicester for the past 22 years is to stand down as Curve’s artistic director in December 2014.

Kerryson has been artistic director of Leicester Theatre Trust since 1991, first at the Haymarket Theatre and since 2008 at Curve—a theatre he was instrumental in founding.

He said, “It’s been a privilege to have played a part in the artistic vision and creation of Curve and then the incredibly exciting first five years.

“It now feels an appropriate moment to hand on the baton to a new artistic leader who will not only have the most wonderful facility in the heart of the culturally dynamic city of Leicester but will also have the support of a great theatre team led by chief executive Fiona Allan.

“I’d like to thank Leicester Theatre Trust, Leicester City Council and the Arts Council for their continued and invaluable support over many years and, of course, all the artists and audiences who have made it possible.”

The chair of the board of directors, Professor Philip Tasker, said, "Paul Kerryson's commitment to theatre in Leicester over the past 22 years is recognised not only by the state-of-the-art theatre he helped to create but also by the national and international reputation that Leicester has for producing awe-inspiring performances.

“Under his leadership, Curve has gone from strength to strength building its reputation for artistic excellence as well as its extensive work within the local community.

“He’s created a vibrant artistic culture that is at the centre of its region and of national importance.”

Curve’s chief executive Fiona Allan added, “I feel enormously privileged to have worked with Paul for the past two-and-a-half years.

”His brilliant creative flair resonates throughout Curve—not just on stage where audiences are currently enjoying Chicago but in the very fabric of the building which he helped conceive.

“Paul’s legacy here at Curve can’t be underestimated. He’s always been extremely generous with his expertise and experience—not just to me and his other colleagues but also to the hundreds of young people he’s worked with on community shows, and to all the talent he’s developed through our own Curve productions.

“I will hugely miss working with him on a daily basis but I’m sure he’ll continue a strong allegiance to the building and to Leicester.”

Kerryson’s vision for an “inside out” and totally inclusive theatre came to fruition and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened Curve in December 2008.

He has yet to announce his future plans.

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